Sensemaker

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One story every day to make sense of the world

Tortoise Media


    • Feb 27, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 1,313 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Sensemaker

    Why did the BBC broadcast a racial slur at the Baftas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 9:18


    How the fallout from a racial slur at this year's Bafta awards might change the public's perception of Tourette's syndrome.Writer: Casey Magloire and Amalie SortlandProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How a mountaineer's death could change climbing forever

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 8:42


    The case of the Austrian climber who was found guilty of manslaughter after his girlfriend froze to death on Austria's highest mountain, has captivated the world's media. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is youth unemployment in the UK rising?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 6:33


    Youth unemployment in the UK is now higher than the European Union average for the first time since records began. Why are young people finding it so hard to get a job? Writer and producer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettThis episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Russia's war with Ukraine: four years on

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 10:28


    Today, four years after Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the war shows no sign of ending.Host: Casey MagloireWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Poppy BullardEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is the one-in-one-out asylum policy with France working?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 6:18


    The UK one-in-one-out deal with France to deter migrants from crossing the Channel on small boats entered into force last year. Since then, the deal has faced a number of legal challenges. Has the scheme been a success?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What does Andrew's arrest mean for the royal family?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 8:17


    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as prince Andrew, has become the first member of the royal family since Charles I. Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland and Ada BaruméEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Canada doing enough to stop gun violence?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 8:53


    After the deadly mass shooting at a school in British Columbia last week, gun control in Canada is under scrutiny.Host: Ada BaruméWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Jess SwinburneEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The drug 500 times as strong as heroin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 6:52


    According to a King's College London report published last week the UK has been underreporting nitazene-related deaths by up to a third. Why has the UK become a hotspot for the extremely potent opioid?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why won't it stop raining?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 6:15


    Some areas of the UK have faced their wettest winters on record. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada Barumé Episode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    China's new wave of crackdowns on pro-democracy activists

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 9:04


    The recent sentencing of activist Jimmy Lai and the conviction of the father of activist Anna Kwok in the same week marks a new phase in China's crackdown on activists. How far is Beijing prepared to go to silence dissent?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburnePhotography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can the royals distance themselves from Andrew?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 8:40


    The recent release of Epstein files has sparked a fresh crisis over former Prince Andrew's links to Jeffrey Epstein.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The UK's million pound illegal waste problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 8:08


    Last week an illegal waste dump was found on the outskirts of Liverpool. It's believed to be one of the biggest of its kind ever found in the UK. But who is behind it?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are so many people trapped by student debt?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 9:15


    Why the rising cost of repaying student debt could become a big problem for the government?Host: Casey MagloireWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Jonathan LewisEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The politics behind Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 10:13


    On Sunday night, one of the biggest stars in the world took over the Super Bowl Halftime show, but why was it so controversial? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Jess Swinburne Host: Ada Barume Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are the social media giants on trial?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 9:33


    Top social media companies are facing allegations of designing their websites to be addictive. As the first case goes to trial, what is at stake?Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer: Madeleine ParrEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why does the Peter Mandelson scandal threaten to bring down Starmer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 7:00


    The fallout from Peter Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein is putting Prime Minister Keir Starmer under increasing pressure.Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer: Matt RussellEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is surrogacy controversial?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 10:08


    There is a growing demand for surrogacy despite debates surrounding the ethics of it.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will we see driverless cars on the streets of London this year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 7:34


    Waymo plans to roll out its driverless taxi service in London by the end of this year. But there are still obstacles the company needs to overcome to put autonomous vehicles on the road. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What's holding up the assisted dying bill?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 8:09


    The assisted dying bill could be thrown out if it is not passed in the House of Lords by the end of this parliamentary session. Why is it taking so long to be voted through?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey Magloire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Are British pubs dying?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 5:22


    Pub-owners and Landlords have been campaigning for more action from the government since last November's budget when changes to business rates were announced. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The battle for the heart of chess

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 7:18


    Since the pandemic, online chess has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity. Now tensions are rising between new personalities and an old guard who want to protect the game's traditional format. Writer & Producer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Gary Marshall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Trump scaling back ICE's operations in Minnesota?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 7:41


    After a second civilian is killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, pressure is mounting for a formal investigation into the shooting. Trump has recalled the senior border patrol commander in charge of the operation in Minneapolis, but does this represent a real scaling back of immigration enforcement in Minnesota?Writer: Madeleine ParrProducer: Madeleine ParrHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will the Iranian regime survive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 9:31


    After widespread protests in Iran, the regime has reasserted control. Now, evidence showing the scale of the violence is starting to emerge. With America threatening military attack, will the Iranian regime be able to survive?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméExecutive Producer: Gary Marshall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will Donald Trump's Board of Peace bring stability to Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 7:41


    Some 60 countries have been invited to join the Board, and each would have to pay a billion dollars if they want to become permanent members. Trump will be its inaugural Chairman, a position he can hold for life. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Could social media be banned for under 16s in the UK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 8:03


    With a vote of support in the house of Lords, the government is under increasing pressure to ban social media for under 16s. But will Keir Starmer back a ban?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How far will Trump's attacks on the Smithsonian go?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 7:37


    The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum. It has been in Donald Trump's cross-hairs since the start of his second term, as he vows to kill off ‘woke'. How far will Donald Trump go in using the Smithsonian to rewrite American history?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Amalie Sortland Photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are podcasters talking about birth rates?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 7:58


    Diary of CEO host Steven Bartlett faced backlash online following an interview with Christopher Williamson where they hypothesise the reason for the declining birth rate. Is the birth rate declining and should we be concerned?Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Gary Marshall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will Trump set his sights on the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 8:49


    President Donald Trump's push to acquire Greenland is part of a growing quest for influence in the Arctic, the planet's coldest frontier, where Russia has interests in Norwegian archipelago Svalbard.Host: Casey MagloireWriter and Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Gary Marshall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is China's new London ‘super-embassy' a threat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 8:22


    This week, the government is expected to decide whether to approve plans for a new Chinese embassy in London. Critics warn it could be used for cyber attacks or as a base for espionage. Could it pose a threat to national security?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are thousands of homes in South East England without water?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 8:10


    Tens of thousands of people in South East England have been without water for days. What's gone wrong and how much is the water company South East Water, to blame? Host: Casey MagloireWriter: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    America's war on immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 7:19


    A year into Donald Trump's second term, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has become America's most powerful – and in some quarters most feared – federal agency. Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How applicants that failed vetting became Met police officers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 8:22


    On the 8th of January, the Metropolitan Police released a report into failures in vetting and recruitment of officers involved in misconduct or criminal offences. Host: Ada BarumeWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Casey MagloireAdditional reporting: Madeleine Parr Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is high protein food guidance a bad thing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 9:30


    Last week the US inverted its food pyramid, placing high protein foods like meat and dairy at the top. How did we get here and is this good food guidance?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Gary Marshall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A brutal crackdown in Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 7:42


    Hundreds have reportedly been killed in violent clashes with police as protests demanding regime change erupt across Iran.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland and Poppy BullardEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why do MPs want to boycott Elon Musk's X over sexualised AI images?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 13:18


    Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has been generating sexualised images of women and children on X. Can anything be done about it? Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The seized oil tankers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 9:27


    On Wednesday, the US seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic on the grounds that it threatened the “security and stability of the Western Hemisphere”.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are Brits losing their citizenship?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 9:10


    Conservative and Reform MPs are calling for the British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah to be stripped of his citizenship. At the same time Shamima Begum, who joined Islamic State, is fighting to have hers reinstated. How and why does the government revoke citizenship? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey Magloire Reporters: John Simpson and Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Which countries in Latin America might Trump target next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 9:07


    After attacking Venezuela Donald Trump has suggested he might target Colombia and Cuba, and he wants to get his hands on Greenland too. Host: Andrew ButlerWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Are high streets losing the battle against gambling?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 8:03


    For years, local authorities in England have found it difficult to stop the spread of slot machine arcades. But that could be about to change.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why did America attack Venezuela?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 8:51


    On Saturday morning, the United States of America bombed Venezuela and captured its President, Nicolás Maduro. What happened and why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can you spot the AI video?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 9:13


    With AI-generated videos and images spreading online, platforms are stepping up efforts to identify and label them.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can ChatGPT replace my therapist? (Revisited)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 8:37


    Can ChatGPT replace my therapist?As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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